We also need to consider Cloyster's speed and Physical Attack ability at this time....
Without noticing their expressions, Natsuhiko continued, "Actually, this tactic is not very difficult, the challenge lies in the requirements for the Pokémon.
As far as I know, the move 'Hatching' is already extremely difficult for Shellder to learn, and once it evolves into Cloyster, due to its shell becoming extremely hard, the difficulty level of learning increases sharply.
In other words, to replicate Kona's Cloyster, at least a Gym Leader Level Shellder is needed."
Before evolution, Shellder is not considered a particularly strong Pokémon.
Raising it to Gym Leader Level would undoubtedly require a lot of resources and energy, and it must learn the 'Hatching' move, which is quite challenging.
This is why not many people have used this tactic so far.
"Lance is in trouble..."
Flint came back to his senses and said with a complex expression.
"I'm afraid it's not just a temporary problem." Hilona added.
The two exchanged a glance, and Flint quickly understood what Hilona meant.
Ice Type not only restrains Flying Type, but also Dragon Type.
And Lance's Pokémon...
"So, I prefer to call this tactic's Cloyster, the 'Dragon Slayer Shell'." Natsuhiko concluded.
Dragon Slayer Shell...
For some reason, both found the term so fitting.
If they knew Natsuhiko also had terms like "Dragon Slayer Warrior" and "Dragon-slaying Saber", they would wonder what their thoughts might be.
After a while, Flint lightly nudged Natsuhiko's arm, and when he got Natsuhiko's attention, Flint said softly:
"Natsuhiko, we are good friends, if you have any dissatisfaction with me, please tell me directly."
Hearing this, Natsuhiko was taken aback.
Why did he suddenly say this?
He blinked twice, suddenly understanding.
Pressed his forehead.
"I have no dissatisfaction with Lance. Telling Kona this tactic was purely because she was bullied by Lance last time and cried too miserably, I... am not targeting him."
"I understand." Flint nodded.
But seeing his expression of "I almost believed you", Natsuhiko just felt a headache.
He really wasn't targeting Lance.
Flint: Before knowing you were "Dodo", and seeing "Dragon Slayer Shell", I believed you.
"Hilona, you believe me, right?" Natsuhiko looked towards Hilona on the other side with some hope.
"Well..." Hilona leaned her head and nodded thoughtfully, "Isn't there some tactic you haven't taught me yet?"
Natsuhiko: "..."
Forget it.
No one believes me when I tell the truth anymore.
Looking back at the field.
Originally, after "Dragon Slayer Shell" took shape, Aerodactyl shouldn't have lasted long, but Lance persisted with Aerodactyl's strength and momentum until now.
Even.
A little bit, and Kona's Cloyster almost got counter-killed.
Kona was scared into a cold sweat.
It was Lance relying on Aerodactyl's unused 'Defend' move.
Grasped the gap between Cloyster's 'Ice Cone' attacks and launched a counterattack.
If Cloyster hadn't stood up again with its perseverance in the end, it might have been reversed.
This shows that Kona and Cloyster still have a long way to go.
The final result.
Kona narrowly won.
Watching Kona withdraw Cloyster, Lance opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but didn't know how to start.
As the first to directly face "Dragon Slayer Shell", he certainly understood what this Pokémon's greatest restraint target was.
If it were someone else with such a Pokémon, Lance wouldn't worry at all.
But it happens to be Kona.
This equally outstanding individual.
Kona didn't even glance at him, running with her Pokeball towards Natsuhiko and the others.
Lance shook his head helplessly.
But soon he regained his confidence.
Having such a rival in the same league is also good.
At least this way, his future won't be too boring.
Natsuhiko: Hmm, definitely won't be boring.
"Senior Natsuhiko, how was it?" Kona wore an expression of "praise me".
Natsuhiko grinned, "Not bad, but there's still a lot of room for improvement."
"Yes, yes."
Kona didn't deny this.
"It's my turn." Hilona stood up and walked to where Kona had just been standing.
Lance and Hilona.
They are old rivals too.
The number of times they faced each other is not few.
Hilona summoned Spiritomb, while Lance's Pokémon was Gyarados.
The two Pokémon did not have a type advantage over each other.
And they both stopped halfway.
Obviously.
Lance's Gyarados couldn't instantly defeat Hilona's Spiritomb.
And Hilona's Spiritomb had the "Life Sharing" technique, so if Lance's Gyarados couldn't take it down in one hit, the worst outcome for Hilona would be a draw.
So the two simply ended in a draw to spare their Pokémon unnecessary suffering.
After all, it was just a sparring match, not a competition, neither side had to win or lose, nor determine life or death.
There was no need to take it to that level.
Lance also accepted this outcome.
To be honest, he had a slight advantage, because a draw was the worst result for Hilona, but not for him.
Next up was Flint.
The two of them were well acquainted, knowing each other's Pokémon's traits and techniques.
Flint summoned Aggron.
Lance, in turn, summoned Charizard.
Charizard is four times weak to Rock, and just based on type, its weakness is too obvious.
But it's not completely powerless.
Charizard also has its advantages.
It's much faster than Aggron, more agile, with more room for maneuvering.
And while Aggron has excellent Physical Defense, its Special Defense is average, whereas Charizard boasts formidable Special Attack abilities.
So both sides have their own advantages, each with a chance and opportunity to win.
This battle was quite exciting.
Observers Natsuhiko, Hilona, and Kona watched intently.
Both trainers used all their skills.
From the start.
Lance and Charizard inevitably found themselves at a disadvantage.
But as the battle went on, Charizard gradually took the upper hand.
The "Fierce Fire" trait triggered.
With the deep bond between Lance and Charizard, the explosive power of Charizard's "Fierce Fire" trait ultimately led it to defeat Flint's Aggron using "Explosive Flame".
The result was somewhat unexpected.
But Flint was the first to accept this outcome.
Though Lance's victory was narrow, much like Kona narrowly winning against Lance.
But it's undeniable that Charizard, with its speed and aerial advantage after the "Fierce Fire" trait triggered, posed a significant threat to Aggron.
Moreover.
If Flint and Lance were to battle again with the same Pokémon, perhaps next time Flint would win.
In battles with no fixed outcome, it really depends on each one's performance on the spot.
And due to the commotion from their battle, many who got up a bit later were drawn over.
Among them were quite a few who marveled at the battle between Lance and Flint.
Although most of them were researchers, it didn't mean they didn't understand Pokémon battles; at least they could get the gist of it.
To this point.
Lance completed battles with Kona, Hilona, and Flint, achieving one win, one loss, and one draw.
It was Natsuhiko's turn now.
Natsuhiko stood up, looking at Lance, whose eyes were full of intense battle spirit.
The muscles on his face couldn't help but twitch.
Aerodactyl, Gyarados, Charizard...
Natsuhiko had every reason to believe that Lance reserved Dragonite specifically for him.
And he wasn't even trying to hide it.
This was a true buddy move.
"Good luck, Senior Natsuhiko!" Kona didn't forget to cheer him on.
Walking to the position opposite Lance.
"Natsuhiko." Lance grinned and called out.
The previous battles, regardless of the outcome, didn't have much impact on him.
But just thinking about battling Natsuhiko made Lance feel very excited.
Because in Lance's eyes, Natsuhiko was really hard to coax into a battle.
Now, finally having a chance to fight him, he naturally wanted to give it his best.
Looking at Lance's smile, Natsuhiko silently took a deep breath.
Playing dirty, huh?
Various Pokémon flashed through his mind.
If he couldn't use a Fairy Type, there seemed to be only one suitable option.
But if he used a Fairy Type...
Natsuhiko glanced at the researchers in white lab coats standing around.
He shook his head.
It's not the right time yet.
He hadn't maximized his benefits.
And since this was just a sparring match, there was no need to reveal a Fairy Type.
There was only one Pokémon most suitable for battle.
Throwing out a Pokeball.
Coming out was.
Aegislash!